'Blue Bloods' is also affected...

New 'NCIS' Seasons To Have Fewer Episodes Due To COVID-19

CBS has announced shorter episode orders for most series that return for new seasons next month. Rather than the typical 22-episode seasons, the network has cut down to a 16-18 episode range. Shows affected include the three NCIS series, Blue Bloods, SEAL Team and more. Read on to find out what to expect for the new TV season on CBS.

The return of TV's biggest shows, including the NCIS franchise and Blue Bloods, will provide a sense of normalcy for fans next month.

But CBS has now confirmed that most of its scripted series will air "abbreviated" seasons due to the late start and new production costs related to COVID-19 protocols. As Deadline reports, rather than the usual 22-episode seasons, expect to see between 16-18 episodes of scripted series returning to CBS this fall.

New seasons of NCIS, Blue Bloods, SEAL Team and more affected

The CBS shows affected by the late start and new production costs include: NCIS, NCIS: L.A., NCIS: New Orleans, Blue Bloods, SEAL Team, Bull, Magnum P.I., and The Neighborhood. These are the confirmed episode counts, according to Deadline:

NCIS - 16
NCIS: L.A. - 18
NCIS: New Orleans - 16
Blue Bloods - 16
Magnum P.I. - 16
SEAL Team - 16
Bull - 16
The Neighborhood - 18

The industry news outlet adds that CBS is still in discussions with shows produced by other studios — such as Young Sheldon and S.W.A.T. — but the expectation is they will also settle in the 16-18 episode range.

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CBS start dates for NCIS begin in November 2020

Due to limitations of the pandemic, CBS kicked off its Fall 2020 TV season without virtually all its scripted shows. Most are now set for early and mid-November premieres, a schedule you can click here to see.

The two-month delay, compounded by new production costs, will shorten the new seasons by around 25 percent. Though fewer episodes doesn't come as good news for fans, seeing new seasons in 2020 is still a welcome and highly-anticipated event.

The previous seasons of most shows were also cut a few episodes short as a result of the pandemic in March. For the latest on NCIS, check out:

NCIS: What to expect in the 400th episode special and the new agent in season 18.

NCIS: LA: - New "Hetty" preview and Daniela Ruah's special episode reveal.